Artist Derrick "Rtystk" Shavers lives and works in Oakland, California where his Kiss My Black Arts (KMBA) message has quickly become iconic. Derrick established the Kiss My Black Arts platform for artists to organize around community building and economic development projects. The slogan itself offers an open ended proclamation for the viewer to decipher it as a demand or appreciation.

Derrick works prolifically and spontaneously with patterns, motifs and images of friends and family.  The canvases, many self-stretched, and self-designed murals are approached with vibrant, upbeat colors and infused with African cultural references which he calls "Creative Discourse."  This conversation translates a system of dialogue through lines, shapes and colors while presenting an enthusiastic process.  By borrowing and incorporating elements of protest art, Derrick bridges the gap between social justice and delivering a palatable platform in all of his artistic endeavors.

Over the years, Derrick has been involved with many solo and collaborative mural projects throughout the Bay Area.  He has exhibited his art in San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley galleries, hosted his own "Art Parties,"  taught muraling, trained junior artists, and is currently pursuing a Youtube channel to reach a larger audience while continuing to inspire artists worldwide.

@kissmyblackarts

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